In an era where sustainability is becoming paramount, Scisters Salon & Apothecary in La Mesa, California, stands as a beacon of eco-conscious beauty. Co-founders Easton Basjec and Melissa Parker have transformed their salon into a low-waste haven, championing the ideals of environmental responsibility while maintaining high standards in hair care. Since its establishment 15 years ago, Scisters has successfully diverted nearly all of its waste from landfills, challenging industry norms in a sector often marred by excessive waste and harmful chemicals.
A Refreshing Approach to Hair Care
Upon entering Scisters Salon, the absence of typical salon clutter is striking. There are no rows of glossy plastic bottles or the overpowering scent of chemicals. Instead, visitors are greeted by the pleasing aromas of bergamot and vanilla, and shelves stocked with bulk refill containers of hair products. “People notice the smell immediately,” Parker remarks. “It’s a stark contrast to conventional salons.”
Located just nine miles east of San Diego, Scisters operates with a commitment to sustainability that has reshaped its business practices. The salon now serves around 22 clients daily, employing seven stylists dedicated to providing eco-friendly services.
Rethinking Beauty Standards
The beauty industry is notorious for its environmental impact, with North American salons contributing approximately 63,000 pounds of hair and hundreds of tons of foil and used dyes to landfills each day, according to Green Circle Salons. Recognising this, Basjec and Parker have taken bold steps to mitigate their environmental footprint. Their journey began with a pivotal moment when Bajsec, inspired by a documentary on zero waste, began to scrutinise the salon’s ecological impact. Concurrently, Parker faced health challenges linked to chemical exposure in the salon environment.
Research indicates that hairdressers are at an elevated risk for conditions related to chemicals found in traditional hair care products, such as formaldehyde and ammonia. Faced with these challenges, the duo resolved to pivot their business towards sustainability.
Innovative Practices and Product Development
The transition was not instantaneous. Initially, Scisters operated similarly to many boutique salons, selling over 150 products from large corporate brands. However, both founders realised that many of these products, despite being marketed as sustainable, were still packaged in plastic and contained harmful chemicals. “We always had the planet in mind,” Parker recalls, “but never to the extent that it is now.”
Determined to make a change, they eliminated certain services—like perms that emit formaldehyde—and sought alternatives. Unable to find products that met their stringent criteria, they took the initiative to create their own line, Element, launched in 2019. This line, produced in California, features refillable glass and aluminium containers filled with ingredients like organic aloe and wheat protein. Clients are encouraged to utilise the salon’s “jar library,” a collection of donated jars for product refills.
Comprehensive Waste Management Strategies
Scisters’ commitment to waste reduction extends beyond its product line. The salon has implemented several innovative practices to minimise waste. Bajsec negotiated with local waste management to ensure hair clippings could be composted, and the team has adopted methods to recycle foil rather than discarding it. They have also transitioned from traditional waxing to sugaring, a more sustainable hair removal technique that utilises a compostable paste made from sugar, water, and lemon.
The salon’s eco-friendly ethos permeates every aspect of its operations, from utilising energy-efficient LED lighting to opting for reusable cloths in the restroom instead of disposable paper towels. While some compromises, like the continued use of ammonia in hair bleaching, remain, Parker ensures that safety measures such as industrial air filtration systems are in place to mitigate harmful exposures.
Financial Viability of Sustainability
Transitioning to a low-waste model initially required significant investment, yet Parker asserts that it has ultimately proven to be cost-effective. “We’ve reduced our dependency on external brands and are mindful about our systems,” she explains. This financial resilience was particularly vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Scisters pivoted to a refill model, allowing them to maintain revenue while many competitors struggled.
Denise Baden, a sustainable business professor at the University of Southampton, affirms that eco-friendly practices often lead to reduced operating costs. “It’s a common misconception that being environmentally responsible is more expensive,” she states. “In reality, many strategies can lower both waste and costs.”
Advocating for Green Practices in the Industry
Parker and Bajsec are not only focused on their salon; they are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability within the wider beauty industry. Through public speaking engagements and an online guide, they aim to assist other salons in adopting eco-friendly practices. “We receive inquiries from other salon owners frequently,” Bajsec notes. “It’s not sustainable if we’re the only ones doing it.”
Their efforts highlight the potential for salons to serve as powerful agents for change, influencing clients to adopt greener practices at home. As more salons consider adopting similar strategies, the collective impact could significantly reduce the beauty sector’s environmental footprint.
Why it Matters
Scisters Salon & Apothecary exemplifies the potential for small businesses to lead the charge towards sustainability in the beauty industry. By prioritising eco-friendly practices, they not only protect the environment but also enhance their operational resilience. Their journey reflects a broader trend towards sustainability in consumer behaviour, signalling that businesses can thrive by aligning with the values of an increasingly eco-conscious clientele. As more establishments follow suit, the ripple effect could lead to meaningful change across the entire industry, making sustainability not just a trend, but a foundational principle in beauty.
